Helicopter Offers $1 Billion in Savings

At the US Air Force Association Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando on 2 March, Leonardo confirmed it will offer the MH-139, in collaboration with Boeing, as a candidate in the UH-1N HUEY Replacement Programme. Boeing, as prime contractor, will solicit competitive bids to fill the 84-aircraft requirement, which seeks to replace the ageing USAF fleet of HUEYs dedicated to critical security and transport missions.

Based on the AW139, which is already manufactured in the US, the MH-139 is a modern, multi-mission, non-developmental, low risk, high performance rotorcraft ideally suited to the requirement, according to Leonardo. “The MH-139 features all the best characteristics to meet the demanding expectations of the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. taxpayer,” said Mauro Moretti, Leonardo CEO and General Manager.

According to an estimate attributed to Boeing, the MH-139 solution offers acquisition and life-cycle cost savings in excess of $1 billion over a thirty year period, in comparison with competitor aircraft.